Obituaries: November 6, 2012

He is survived by his two daughters: Kathryn and Jessica of Texas; three grandchildren: Destiny, Drake and Elijah also of Texas. He is also survived by a brother, Jeff Fravala of Drummond Island; sisters: Merle Jo Klichman (Fravala) of Portland, Ore., Pamela Kay Hyde (Fravala) of Onaway, Mich. and Karla Carlson (Fravala) of Warren, Mich.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Kathryn (Landreville) Fravala and Jesse Merle Fravala also of Drummond Island.

Funeral services will be held at the Adragna Obarzanek funeral home in Sterling Heights, Mich. on November 9, 2012. Family viewing from 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. and open viewing from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. at the Drummond cemetery. Donations can be directed to the family in lieu of flowers to help the family expenses.

Joyce Mae Mills

Joyce Mae Mills, age 89 of Trout Lake passed away Friday morning, November 2 at Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace. Joyce was born in Battle Creek on June 4, 1923 to Clare and Kate (Keto McCain) Farwell.

Growing up, Joyce lived in various places where her father’s work as a conservation officer took her family. She shared memories of enjoying roller skating in Crystal Falls down to Fortune Lake to swim, driving to Escanaba, her dad taking her up the fire tower in Paradise. When her family moved to Trout Lake, she had fond memories of the fun (and sometimes mischievous) times she had growing up with her friend, Frances.

She married Kenneth A. Mills on June 15, 1942 and spent the rest of her life in Trout Lake.

Joyce was an exceptional cook and worked in many restaurants in the area, lastly working as prep cook for McGowan’s restaurant until she was 79. She was known for her homemade soups, pies, and breads especially Danish rolls and her famous mocha bars she made for her family and friends at Christmas. She took pride and pleasure in feeding people. Because of her love of children, she enjoyed driving the “little” Trout Lake kindergarten school bus for a few years.

Joyce was a very caring person and was always willing to help anyone in any way she could. She always had a smile for everyone and all who knew her loved her.

Joyce’s children and family were an important and special part of her life and will miss her dearly. Surviving are sons, Kenneth (Fayda) Mills of Rudyard; Calvin (Betsy) Mills of Trout Lake; daughters, Linda and the late Jim Barrett of Trout Lake and Florida; Rebecca (Bob) Revard of North Carolina; grandchildren, Kenneth (Chris) Mills Jr.; Carrie Mills; Steven (Kristin) Mills; Danielle (Jon) Dettling; C. Norman (Kim) Mills; great grandchildren Brittany (Noha) Wiggins; Brianna, Olivia; Jessica; Zach; Natalie; Sage; Owen; Dylan; Hayden; Ian; Jonas and great granddaughter Payton.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kenneth; her sister and brother in law, Clara and Daniel Saastamoinen, and son in law, James Barrett.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and a family memorial service will be held in the spring. Memorials may be made in her memory to Evergreen Living Center, with envelopes available from Dodson Funeral Home who assisted with arrangements.

O’ROURKE, CLYDE R., age 93 of St. Ignace passed away early Monday morning, Nov. 5 at Evergreen Living Center. He was born in Marquette on November 2, 1919. Arrangements are handled by Dodson Funeral Home, St. Ignace.

MICHALAK, CHRISTINE, age 62 of Mackinaw City died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon at Mackinac Straits Hospital following a heart attack at home. She was born Nov. 1, 1950 in Bay City. Arrangements are handled by Dodson Funeral Home, St. Ignace.